In a similar vein, wearable technologies could also drastically change the way manufacturing personnel carrying out their daily tasks. This includes everything from using RFID for access control to full-on augmented reality, via HUDs like the DAQRI smart helmet or Google Glass.
To many of those from the old guard in manufacturing, this probably sounds overoptimistic. However, a recent survey by Zebra Technologies Corporation, a supplier of mobile computers, scanners and barcode printers, found that half of all manufacturers surveyed are planning to adopt wearable technologies by 2022.
Zebra surveyed 1,100 manufacturing executives from around the globe for its Manufacturing Vision Study, which also revealed that manufacturers are adopting the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to enhance visibility and improve quality.
According to the study, the number of organizations with fully connected factories will rise dramatically over the next five years to 64 percent, compared to 43 percent today.
Interestingly, the study also found that 51 percent of respondents plan to expand their use of voice technology over the next five years, with the most dramatic growth happening in the largest companies, i.e., those worth over $1 billion USD.
“The results of Zebra’s 2017 Manufacturing Vision Study prove that IIoT has crossed the chasm and savvy manufacturers are investing aggressively in technologies that will create a smarter, more connected plant floor to achieve greater operational visibility and enhance quality.”
For more information on the Industrial Internet of Things, check out The IIoT in a Nutshell.